I was asked to submit a few hats for Kentucky Monthly Magazine’s April issue. They were doing an article on Kentucky Derby fashion history. I love vintage fashion and assignments such as this. Most of the pieces that I submitted were the smaller headpieces. I was…
Pack the Right Tack No well managed horse goes to the track without a foot box or tack box. A tack box, the equivalent of a ladies handbag, is stocked with all the equipment and emergency supplies that may be required for a day at the races. Tack boxes contain everything from safety pins to…
Many of my clients purchase hats for their Derby parties. The first Derby party that I attended was in Oyster Bay, New York back in 1994.. It was a fun, casual event. These days, Derby parties have become dressy events. My niece Emmaline, hosts a Derby party every year. Emmie is 7 years old, so…
Picking the right shoes to wear to the Kentucky Derby is almost as important as finding the right hat. As any horseman knows, 90% of lameness originates in the foot. We treat our horses to custom shoes, expertly fitted to the beast and the terrain. Unfortunately, few of us can afford custom footwear for ourselves.…
In choosing an outfit for the Kentucky Derby, the choices are absolutely overwhelming! You never know what the weather will be like. There has actually been snow on Derby Day, as well as 85 degree weather. The biggest key in selecting an outfit is finding something that you fall in love with. I like to…
In the last post we explored the challenge of picking the head piece or veil that best suits the bride’s features. Today I’d like to continue with another important consideration; finding a head piece that best suits the bride’s frock. I love the sleek, elegant gowns that are so in vogue. They are often strapless…
Reading about the recent downsizing at many companies, it reminded me of the times that I was laid off. It’s a scary feeling. The rug gets pulled out from under you. Panic starts to set in. However, many positive things can come from job loss. The benefit of my getting laid off numerous times was…
At Polly Singer Couture Hats & Veils, we always strive to be environmentally aware. All of our office paper is recycled. Our business and note cards are printed on recycled paper. We have eliminated all toxic chemicals in favor of more natural ones. All of our hats and trims are biodegradable. In addition, we do…
“Men have many ways to express themselves. We only have our hats and dresses” – Keira Knightley as the Duchess of Devonshire in “The Duchess” Last night, I went with a group of friends to see “The Duchess”. The new movie features Keira Knightley as the Duchess of Devonshire, a direct ancestor of Lady…
One of the cool things about having a website is that I meet many new friends. A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune of being asked to speak in Roswell, Georgia at an event that the Roswell Historical Society hosted. It was a luncheon/vintage hat show called “Hats Off For Hembree”. The event…